The Utah Jazz (16-24) will attempt to snap a seven-game road losing streak when they challenge the Washington Wizards (23-17) at Capital One Arena. Washington is a 7.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 205.5 points. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 10, 2018.
Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards Betting Preview
The Jazz lost a close one to the Miami Heat in their last matchup, 103-102. Utah’s Donovan Mitchell had a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 27 points on 12-for-25 shooting. Miami had a turnover percentage of 8.0 (better than their season average of 13.8). Utah, meanwhile, did a great job of converting from the free throw line (18-20; 90.0 percent).
The last time the Wizards played, they were topped by the Milwaukee Bucks, 110-103. With 16 points and 16 assists, John Wall put together a solid performance for Washington. Milwaukee had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 18.9). Washington, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (13.4 vs. 13.9).
Utah might have difficulty scoring as they square off against one of the leagues best defenses. Washington ranks eighth in defensive efficiency while the Jazz rank 20th in offensive efficiency.
Of Utah’s 40 games, 21 have finished under the projected point total, while 24 of Washington’s 40 games have finished under the projected point total. The Wizards have the significant advantage straight up (SU) (23-17 vs. 16-24), but the Jazz have been superior against the spread (ATS) (20-20 vs. 19-21).
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Jazz, it’s been Mitchell, who has averaged 19.6 points, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals, while the Wizards have gotten great contributions from Bradley Beal (28.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.8 steals).
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to put up 185 points in that game, which was under the projected point total of 195.5. The Jazz won 116-69, covering as 4-point favorites. Utah’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Washington. The Jazz had a rate of 0.671 while the Wizards posted a mark of 0.313. Alec Burks scored a game-high 27 points.
Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Jazz rank third in fast break points allowed per game (9.0) while the Wizards rank 12th (10.6).
- Utah ranks third in assists allowed per game (20.1) while Washington ranks ninth (21.4).
- Washington ranks 16th in rebounds per game (43.3) while Utah ranks 25th (40.8).
- Washington is 8-12 ATS at home, while Utah is 7-13 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 9 of the Wizards 20 home games, while 11 of the Jazz’s 20 road games have gone over.
- Washington is 13-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Utah is 10-3.
- The Wizards are 20-8 when they reach the century mark, while the Jazz are 14-10.
- The Jazz rank 10th in three pointers attempted per game (30.0) while the Wizards rank 16th in three pointers allowed per game (29.1).
- Washington ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Utah ranks 21st (8.0).
- The Wizards rank 12th in second chance points per game (12.8) while the Jazz rank 26th (10.3).
- Washington ranks seventh in points off turnovers per game (18.2) while Utah ranks 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5).
Betting Trends:
- Washington is 2-3 ATS with 2 overs, 2 pushes and 1 under in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Utah is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Wizards average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 2.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 99.2 points per game (1.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 107.4 points per game (5.7 above their season average).
